News-Record.com

Jeff Bartolet, 38, Republican
“My polling place is no more than a quarter-mile away, so I walk to the site and vote on Election Day. Nothing earth-shattering there in my decision — just convenient.”

Phyllis Davis, 64, Republican
“My plans are to wait until Election Day to vote. My decision for McCalin-Palin for presidency is in place, but there are a few candidates that could change my mind before Nov. 4. With the voter fraud/ACORN going on across the nation it makes one think that it might be wise to wait until Nov. 4. I would hate to vote early in a location that had been inflitrated by ACORN!!”

Kendall Garvin, 29, unaffiliated
“I do plan on voting early. I have pretty made up my mind on who I am voting. I prefer not to wait in long lines or having the fear that some emergency come up that would prevent me from voting. I haven’t decided where I will cast my ballot exactly, but it will be at one of the early voting locations.”

Trevor Hamm, 25, Democrat“I do plan to vote early. I’ll be voting early because the stakes are so high and I’m excited about playing my part in deciding what direction the country will go in the coming years. In addition to this, I think that there will be extremely long lines on Nov. 4 because of the historic nature of this election and all the newly registered voters.”

Mike Kelly, 60, Republican
“No, I will not vote early this year. The process seems to me to be antiseptic and sterile, albeit infinitely more convenient. But with this convenience I would miss the excitement and sense of community of Election Day. I feel more involved in the democratic process as I stand online talking politics and sundry other subjects with my fellow citizens. Besides, at my precinct I am often able to visit with folks that I have not seen since the last election. So, I will cast my vote in one of the most historic elections of my lifetime on Election Day.
“I do, however, encourage others to vote early so as to reduce voter volume. My civic pride begins to wear a bit thin after about an hour’s wait.”

Marlene Costa Nielsen, 67, Democrat
“I plan to vote early at the Courthouse so that I can volunteer at the Board of Elections on Nov. 4 since they are anticipating a large turnout and lots of calls from potential voters.”

Kate Peeples, 27, unaffiliated
“I am very excited about heading to the polling place on Nov. 4. In an election as down-to-the-wire as this one, and with North Carolina actually considered a battleground state, I think it could be a rare, if not once-in-a-lifetime experience, to participate in. I think it’s a great idea to offer early voting and I’m glad to see Greensboro offering several sites. Working outside the city though, I’ve not heard a lot of people too eager about early voting, since there aren’t any sites near them, but definitely eager to get to the polls on Election Day.
“Personally, I don’t fear the potential lines, long waits. For a vote this significant, I’ll gladly be a part of history and stand in line for a while on a Tuesday.”

Deonna Kelli Sayed, 34, Democrat
“This will be my first time voting in North Carolina. I plan to stand in line Nov. 4 and savor this historic election. Imagine the conversations that will take place! Perhaps I’ll bring my little ones. My stepdaughter is not yet a U.S. citizen and has no concept of participant democracy, but American is her future and voting is her future responsibility. My parents are early voting since my mother can’t stand for long periods of time due to a knee problem. The lines are expected to be robust on Nov. 4 (and we hope they are despite the inconvenience); it is wise for the elderly and disabled to take advantage of early voting.
“Voting has always been an easy process for me, although the older, paper ballot voting machines are confusing. I’m never completely sure that I’ve voted correctly or accidentally flipped the lever for my undesired candidates (this experience took place in Virginia in the ’90s).
“On a more serious note, this election is historic not just because there’s a veteran, a woman and a multiracial candidate. The economy is gone weird, and we aren’t winning any wars on anything. Americans do have many things at stake, but day-to-day lives for most of us will remained unchanged no matter who is in office. Yet the world is holding a collective breath until results are announced on Nov. 5. Non-Western countries have the most to win or lose. For parts of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia (including Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Eastern Europe, their daily security and economic future hinges on the actions of the future U.S. president.
“Finally, I hope the candidates graciously accept the outcome and don’t repeat the Bush-Gore debacle. Spare us!”

Mike Sigmon, 61, Republican
“I’m not in favor of early voting unless you must be out of town on Election Day. Voting early is much like having Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday.
“There could be events unfolding in the next three weeks that would influence votes. Just consider the past 10 days.
“Voting is privilege as well as a right. If you don’t vote, you should not complain about the outcome.
“I plan to cast my ballot at the same place I’ve voted for 20-plus years.”

Ruth Mary Weston, 54, Democrat
“I’m nostalgic for something I never actually experienced — Election Day festivities in Mother’s small Mississippi childhood town. It was a community holiday with shared food, games, speeches and warmth between opposing candidates (often neighbors).
“It’ll probably never happen, but how about presidential Election Day as a paid national holiday? That would show commitment to our democratic values and enable the widespread participation we badly need. Until then, early voting’s a good option.
“I’ll vote Nov. 4 as a way of exercising and celebrating our freedom with some fellow citizens. Maybe I’ll bake some cookies to share if the line is long.”